codes|coded|codingkəʊdnoun+a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)+a coding system used for transmitting messages requiring brevity or secrecy+(computer science) the symbolic arrangement of data or instructions in a computer program or the set of such instructionsverb+attach a code to+convert ordinary language into code

noun, verb+noun1[C, U] (often in compounds) a system of words, letters, numbers or symbols that represent a message or record information secretly or in a shorter form: to break / crack a code (= to understand and read the message) + It's written in code. + Tap your code number into the machine. + In the event of the machine not operating correctly, an error code will appear.See also-AREA CODE, BAR CODE, MORSE CODE, POSTCODE, ZIP CODE2[C] = DIALLING CODE: There are two codes for London.3[U] (computing) a system of computer PROGRAMMING instructionsSee also-MACHINE CODE, SOURCE CODE4[C] a set of moral principles or rules of behaviour that are generally accepted by society or a social group: a strict code of conduct + Young people unconsciously conform to a dress code but reject any kind of uniform.5[C] a system of laws or written rules that state how people in an institution or a country should behave: the penal codeSee also-HIGHWAY CODE+verb[VN]1 to write or print words, letters, numbers, etc. on sth so that you know what it is, what group it belongs to, etc: Each order is coded separately.2 to put a message into code so that it can only be understood by a few people3 (computing) to write a computer program by putting one system of numbers, words and symbols into another systemSynonym: ENCODE